By Rich Bowden:

Developing countries, including those in the Asia Pacific region, require increased funding and community cooperation to ensure schools have access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities, according to a new UNICEF report.

The study, “Raising Clean Hands: Advancing Learning, Health and Participation through WASH in Schools”, was produced in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) Emory University, the Center for Global Safe Water and the IRC International Water and Sanitation Center, along with aid organizations including Save the Children, WaterAid, Water for People, CARE, Water Advocates and Dubai Cares.

The report says that, though great advances have been made as developing nations strive towards reaching their Millennium Development Goals (MDG) by 2015, less than half of primary schools in the countries surveyed have access to safe water with only a third having adequate sanitation.

Access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities in schools promotes gender equality and increases learning capabilities said the report.

“[Proper water and sanitation facilities] in schools provides healthy, safe and secure school environments that can protect children from health hazards, abuse and exclusion. It helps ensure quality education, because children who are healthy and well nourished can fully participate in schooling and gain its maximum benefits. Quality education, in turn, leads to better health and nutrition outcomes, especially for girls,” said the study.

As well as providing an important investment in school children, and giving children “dignity and privacy” the report says proper access to drinking water and sanitation in the school environment will encourage children to pass on safe hygiene practices to their communities.

” [The study]… enables children to become agents of change for improving water, sanitation and hygiene practices in their families and communities,” it said. “It helps children realize their full potential now and
prepares them for healthy living as adults, able to share this legacy when they become parents.”

“Improved water, sanitation and hygiene education helps fulfil every child’s right to health and education,” it stated.

Speaking at the launch of the publication in Dubai last week, Sigrid Kaag, UNICEF’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said “Millions of children in the developing world go to schools which have no drinking water or clean latrines – basic things that many of us take for granted.”

She emphasized the report’s recommendations that improved sanitation and drinking water can only be achieved by the cooperation of all sectors of society.

Tags: millenium development goals, sanitation, school sanitation, UN, unicef, Water